8 iOS Companion Apps for Hit Console Games

Judging by the announcements at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) this year, console video game developers are well aware of the growing community of gamers with tablets and smartphones, and aim to capitalize on these crossover players with both a controller in their hands and an iOS device in their lap. Many new companion apps are coming down the line, but several are already available for some of the biggest console hits around. Here are eight that can enhance your traditional TV gaming experience.

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Console Game Companion Apps

When it comes to multiplayer gaming, it's hard to beat the experience of Halo. The problem is, there's some darn good players online. For those of us who need every advantage we can get while playing Halo: Reach, there's Halo Waypoint (Universal, Free). The app displays multiplayer maps with vehicle and weapon locations marked for easy access, along with live scoring.

Ubisoft's survival horror title I Am Alive hit consoles earlier this year and challenged players to venture into vacant, disaster-stricken locales. Luckily, players won't have to take on the post-apocalyptic world alone if they snag I Am Alive Companion (Universal, Free). Maps, resource lists, and Achievement details will be your compass during the end of the world.

In space, no one can hear you scream -- especially if you're screaming about your lack of support from teammates. Starhawk takes players across the galaxy for one of the best multiplayer experiences in recent memory on PlayStation 3, and you can track it all with Starhawk Uplink (Universal, Free). It puts all of your stats, along with clan members and worldwide leaders, right at your fingertips.

Even the most casual gamer has heard the controversy surrounding the Mass Effect 3 ending. Perhaps more gamers would have been satisfied if they picked up the Mass Effect 3 Datapad (Universal, Free). With additional messages from characters, a Codex database, and exclusive content for iOS users, this app broadens the Mass Effect universe without the need for DLC.

One of the most important parts of any shooter is having the right gun. This is especially true with the tense Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Grabbing Ghost Recon Network (Universal, Free) will allow you to build guns on the go, then sync it with your console and fire away, If you're a gamer that keeps playing and strategizing even when the console is off, this will be right up your alley.

It's pretty safe to assume that if you own a console, you probably have one of the Call of Duty titles. But with a new title coming out of the series every year, it's tough to retain accomplishments from past offerings. This problem is solved by Call of Duty Elite (iPhone, Free), which will track your history from games past and present and help you improve for the future.

The web is full of gaming content, but how about a social network just for you and your in-game friends? EA Battlelog (iPhone, Free) set its targets on just that in hopes of making communication better both in-game and out for Battlefield 3 players. Real time updates of friends' stats, match planning, and game-related news keeps the conversation going between squad members.

Game developers can't have all the fun; sometimes it takes a great indie team to step up and make something awesome. Dragon Shout for Skyrim (Universal, Free) is a great example of the little guys expanding on what the big shots made. If you're lost in the massive world of Skyrim, use Dragon Shout to mark items, quests, and places of interest that are worth returning to in the vast open world.